What made you quit your job and start your own label?
I had one of the infamous ‘quarter-life crisis’ when I was hit with realisation “Shit, I hate my career!”. I was always quite creative and seeking new thrills and experiences. One day I woke up with an image of this gorgeous bag and decided to make it. Everybody loved the bag and one of my colleagues mentioned that I should change my career. It was all a giggle at first but the seed of change was already planted. I was resisting it for some time as I was convinced that this idea was crazy, risky and plain silly – I had no design, business or retail experience. But after one of the difficult days at work I just gathered my stuff and walked out of my job.
What were your first baby steps?
Spitalfields market in Shoreditch was a brilliant platform to test ideas and get customer feedback. Shortly after I launched the label, Anthropologie spotted me and that’s how I got my first stockist. Then Marie Claire selected my label for their Inspire & Mentor programme and I had a year of mentoring with successful businesswoman Donna Ida Thornton – owner of Donna Ida boutiques.
Why were you keen to offer your bags to Shoreditch?
Alexa Jay woman is quirky and adventurous. She seeks new thrills in life and loves fashion. I believe Shoreditch lives and breathes the same values. I was wondering around the area one day and came across The Mercantile London – a gorgeous boutique full of colourful statement fashion pieces. They loved my bags and decided to stock my full collection in all the colours. It’s one of my favourite stockists!
How has your brand evolved?
Alexa Jay will always be about simple shapes and gorgeous colours. The need for adventure and discovery made the brand grow and evolve. We are currently working on the new collection that involves playful geometric shapes, layered 3D handles and interesting colour combinations. The label has a more edgy feel to it and designs are much more intricate. It requires a lot more skill so we had to find highly skilled craftsmen outside the UK who could bring the sketches to live and create highest quality handbags. Follow us on social media to be the first ones to see the new collection!
Visit: The Mercantile London (Spitalfields Market), 17 Lamb Street London E1 6EA.
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Follow Alexa Jay on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexaJayHandbags
Instagram: https://instagram.com/alexajay_bags/
Twitter: @alexajay_bags
Website: www.alexajay.com
